A review by Lynne Larby
A review by Lynne LarbyNew York Times bestselling author Sarah J Maas begins her new trilogy in A Court of Thorns and Roses, a cross between Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast and a trials story (think Hercules or Ulysses, not the James Joyce version).
Feyre lives in a world with a wall; this wall is the wall between the demesne of the Fae and humanity, with humanity vulnerable and losing a centuries’ long cold war. Feyre is the youngest of three sisters. While her older sisters imitate Cinderella’s step-sisters, Feyre hunts to feed the family and, returning home exhausted at the end of the day, she’s sent to chop wood, skin and cook the meat as well. Personally, I’d let them go hungry and cold because, y’know, BOUNDARIES.
One day Feyre kills a huge wolf, possibly a fae. She uses an ash arrow, ash wood being one of the few things to reliably kill fae. That night, fae come in search of their fallen comrade and whisk Feyre away to their land.
Meet Tamlin, High Lord of the Fae, suffering under Amarantha’s curse while the world teeters on the brink of collapse. Tamlin has both human fae aspect and a beast aspect, but, when he’s not terrifying Feyre, Tamlin is courteous and kind.
Lucien, Tamlin’s second-in-command, is not just rude; his hatred of Feyre puts her in grave danger.
Adventure and romance are the order of the day. Particularly romance.
The characters develop over the course of this one novel. Feyre comes to see her sisters in a different light. Feyre learns a few lessons in the school of hard knocks. And the school of hard, um, other things.
At the end of A Court of Thorns and Roses, we’re left with a conclusion of sorts, waiting for the other shoe to drop.k
The Wrap
Sarah J Maas debuted with her New York Times best-selling Throne of Glass series; now she’s started a new trilogy that I’m sure will be a smash hit. Highly recommended to romance and YA fans.
And I’d like to add an extra squee: my review copy came with a gorgeous silver mask charm. Totally adorable.
Book details
Published: 01 May 2015
ISBN: 9781408857861
Format: Paperback, 432 pages
Imprint: Bloomsbury Childrens
RRP: $16.99
“And the school of hard, um, other things.”
LOL!!!